They would arrive at the training fields the next day, and Darius was anxious and nervous to face this final challenge. Prydon had insisted on one last night’s rest before facing the valley, so they had made camp and eaten a full meal.
“Goodnight, Prydon,” Darius said as he lay back on his bedroll
“Goodnight,” replied Prydon, and the dragon curled up around the fire across from Darius.
Darius could feel the heat radiate from Prydon’s scales back toward him, and with a full stomach, he fell asleep quicker than he’d expected. And when he drifted deeper into his sleep, he was visited by her.
Alara was standing in front of him in a pale nightdress. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders and across her chest, and she walked slowly up to him.
“Thank you, Darius,” she said, and she leaned toward him, placing one hand on his shoulder and the other behind his head.
Then she kissed him passionately. He closed his eyes, and when the kiss ended with a gentle peck on his lips, he smiled. When he opened his eyes to look at her, he jumped back.
Standing in front of him was Sira. Her white hair floated about her, and her pale skin seemed to glow.
“Goodbye, Darius,” she said. “We will see each other soon.”
Darius woke up suddenly and looked around. A thin white wisp floated above the fire and into the sky. He shook his head and stared at the flames.
Smoke, he though. It must have been smoke.
Darius ran the back of his finger across his lips, his brows furrowed as he frowned. Then he lay back on his bed and stared into the sky for quite time before he fell back asleep.
Darius and the Dragon's Stone Page 36
